Chapter 93: May I Ask Where Mr. Su Is Now Serving?

Lu Hongmei and Chen Jianguo were tidying up as they chattered on endlessly, when Su Zheng walked in.

“I thought you said you had something to do today? Why are you back so early?”

Lu Hongmei asked, her face full of displeasure.

“The task was finished, so I came home,” Su Zheng replied calmly. He had overheard his parents-in-law talking earlier and understood that important guests were expected today. It should be the wives of Lu Hongmei’s two elder brothers from her mother’s side, though he wasn’t sure what the occasion was.

“Let me tell you, we’re expecting distinguished guests today. Hurry and help tidy up the house. When the guests arrive, you go back to your own room and don’t come out unless necessary, understood?”

Chen Jianguo, clearly home on leave, gave a stern reminder. He didn’t want Su Zheng to be seen by the two sisters-in-law, fearing they’d say something unpleasant in a roundabout way.

Su Zheng nodded slightly and joined in the cleaning.

Soon, there was a knock at the door. Lu Hongmei quickly grabbed Su Zheng, signaling him to retreat to his own room and hide.

Chen Jianguo straightened his clothes, opened the door, and greeted the two elegantly dressed women at the entrance with a broad smile:

“It’s a humble home, a bit shabby, I hope you two won’t mind. Please, come in! Please, come in!”

Lu Hongmei hurriedly adjusted her own clothes and stepped forward, her face brimming with warmth.

“Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, you’re finally here!”

A tinkling laugh followed.

“Hongmei, long time no see! We’ve missed you these past years. Is your family well?”

Eldest sister-in-law Tian Fang and second sister-in-law Xu Jinlan smiled as they approached, taking Lu Hongmei’s hand. Their speech carried a hint of a Hong Kong accent, though it was somewhat awkward and imperfect.

“We’re all fine! Haha…”

Lu Hongmei quickly invited them to sit, smiling in reply.

“But there’s no comparison with you two. Truly metropolitan women—so fashionable!”

Looking at their luxurious clothing, exquisite hairstyles, and the dazzling adornments—headpieces, necklaces, bracelets—Lu Hongmei felt a pang of jealousy and longing within her.

“Fashionable? It’s all thanks to my daughter and son-in-law. At our age, we can only rely on our children’s blessings!”

Tian Fang explained modestly, though her tone carried a subtle boast.

Indeed, at their age, the competition was no longer self-improvement, but whose children were more accomplished.

“That’s right. My outfit was chosen by my daughter and son-in-law, especially my son-in-law—he’s even more filial than my own daughter!”

Xu Jinlan smiled, her words understated. Both had daughters, so naturally, they compared their sons-in-law.

Their conversation was natural, but Lu Hongmei and Chen Jianguo forced awkward smiles.

This was the topic they dreaded most—comparing children. Though Muxue was diligent and hardworking, they were saddled with an utterly useless son-in-law, leaving them too ashamed to mention him.

“You must be tired from your journey. Have some tea!”

Chen Jianguo wanted to change the subject, urging them to drink tea.

“By the way, brother-in-law, where’s your useless son-in-law?”

Tian Fang craned her neck, scanning the room in confusion.

“Eldest sister-in-law!”

Xu Jinlan quickly reminded her.

“Oh, look at me, I just can’t control my mouth!”

Tian Fang was a bit embarrassed. She’d gotten used to calling him “useless” at home, and now it slipped out. She hurriedly offered a perfunctory apology to Chen Jianguo and his wife.

Though Lu Hongmei and Chen Jianguo were embarrassed, they couldn’t take offense. They shook their heads, insisting Su Zheng had gone out on business.

“We’re all family here, so let me speak frankly: if it really doesn’t work out, just get a divorce. What’s the point of living your whole life with such a useless man?”

Tian Fang, assured that Su Zheng wasn’t home, boldly offered advice.

“Exactly! Let Muxue come with us to Harbour City. With her beauty, finding a rich husband would be easy. Imagine her as a wealthy lady—how wonderful!”

Xu Jinlan chimed in, her words full of bragging.

“I know plenty of affluent men. I’ll introduce her when the time comes!”

Chen Jianguo and Lu Hongmei exchanged embarrassed glances. Lu Hongmei’s eyes betrayed a hint of temptation.

It was no wonder she was tempted. Any woman, upon hearing “wealthy family,” would feel their heart flutter.

If Muxue truly married into wealth and became a young mistress, their entire family’s status would leap overnight, and their lives would be transformed.

“This matter needs careful consideration, there’s no rush… haha…”

Though pleased, Chen Jianguo spoke ambiguously.

If the sisters-in-law were merely making idle suggestions, and he and his wife took it seriously, wouldn’t they become a laughingstock?

“Almost forgot—Hongmei, give me your address!”

Tian Fang smoothed her hair, her manner full of superiority as she continued, “My son-in-law heard I was visiting Qingyang, and specifically ordered a one-carat diamond ring from a famous jeweler in Jiangnan as an early birthday gift. I’ll have it delivered here!”

“How enviable! Such a filial son-in-law, spending tens of thousands at once!”

Chen Jianguo followed Tian Fang’s lead, praising her.

“It’s not just tens of thousands! He bought a signature piece from Dragon Phoenix Jewelry, I heard the price is well over a hundred thousand! Haha…”

Tian Fang’s eyes gleamed with joy as she sent the address via her phone.

Xu Jinlan’s expression shifted slightly, casting a covert sideways glance at Tian Fang, clearly envious.

Lu Hongmei’s face grew even gloomier, a wave of bitterness rising within her. Unconsciously, she withdrew her hand, hiding the fake diamond ring beneath the table.

“Speaking of Dragon Phoenix Jewelry—surely you know it? It’s a brand owned by a wealthy family in Jiangnan!”

Tian Fang, as if afraid they didn’t understand, explained again.

The atmosphere turned cold; the others felt ill at ease. Seeing no one respond, Chen Jianguo could only echo, “Yes, Dragon Phoenix Jewelry is indeed one of the top brands in Jiangnan.”

“Of course! I heard they recently had a ring win an award overseas. You probably didn’t know that, did you? Now, anything from Dragon Phoenix Jewelry is a solid investment. I suggest, if you have spare money, buy some pieces—they’re guaranteed to appreciate in value!”

Tian Fang’s face was full of pride. The worse everyone else looked, the more superior she felt. Just as she was about to speak again, the doorbell rang.

“Ding dong! Ding dong!…”

Lu Hongmei went to open the door.